Regulation of the cGMP-cPKG pathway and large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels in uterine arteries during the ovine ovarian cycle.

ABSTRACT: The follicular phase of the ovine ovarian cycle demonstrates parallel increases in ovarian estrogens and uterine blood flow (UBF). Although estrogen and nitric oxide contribute to the rise in UBF, the signaling pathway remains unclear. We examined the relationship between the rise in UBF during the ovarian cycle of nonpregnant sheep and changes in the uterine vascular cGMP-dependent pathway and large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BK(Ca)). Nonpregnant ewes (n = 19) were synchronized to either follicular or luteal phase using a vaginal progesterone-releasing device (CIDR), followed by intramuscular PGF(2alpha), CIDR removal, and treatment with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin. UBF was measured with flow probes before tissue collection, and second-generation uterine artery segme

SUBMITTER: Khan LH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2822482 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature